revered

American  

[ri-veerd] / rɪˈvɪərd /

adjective

1. held in high regard tinged with awe; venerated.

   Many of our most revered heroes were actually outlaws or rebels, fighting for a cause.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of revere.

Other Word Forms

• unrevered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of revered

revere ¹ ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

If someone is revered, it means he or she is held in deep respect and devotion. Religious leaders, saints, and martyrs are often considered as revered. Celebrities? Not so much. There's a touch of the other worldly about revered. The origins of revered reveal something about its slightly scary, awesome nature. It comes from the Latin word revereri, meaning "to fear," and the addition of the "re" at the beginning is an expression of intensive force, so the word literally means "to greatly fear." People whom are revered are not necessarily those we feel most comfortable around; we are too busy holding them in awe.

Example Sentences

The Argentine director is revered at home and abroad — and even took a meeting with Marvel.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2026

For a few fleeting days each year, India's often-shunned transgender community is welcomed and revered at a festival that is at once sacred ritual, celebration, and a refuge.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

Pretzels, revered for their simplicity, have made a name for themselves as one of America’s most beloved snacks.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Howe is revered by supporters, but it is understood there is a degree of disappointment at the club with how the season has gone.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

Father approved of them because they taught the virtues most revered by the people of Zimbabwe: loyalty, bravery, courteousness and reverence for Mwari, the supreme god.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

• admired
• cherished
• dear
• esteemed
• favorite
• hallowed
• loved
• popular
• prized
• respected
• treasured
• venerated
• well-liked